Hybrid concepts are among the hottest offerings on the international concept car scene, which is understandable given current political and economic trends. Keeping pace with the times, Renault has joined its French rivals with the announcement today of a new hybrid concept vehicle set to grace the carmaker’s stands at next month’s Paris Motor Show. The latest concept is called the Ondelios and is described as a luxury crossover designed for the environmentally conscious.

Australia’s fiercely competitive hot-hatch segment is about to heat up following the introduction today of the new Renault Sport Megane dCi 175 and Clio 197 models. The two cars are suited to very different buying tastes but both end up at a nexus of high-performance, practicality and affordable pricing that has come to define the Renault Sport range.

Felipe Massa took the win at yesterday’s French GP at Magny-Cours after pole-sitter and race leader Kimi Raikkonnen suffered a broken exhaust just before the midpoint, though the Finn still managed to hang on for second place. Toyota driver Jarno Trulli also managed to bring home his team's first podium spot since 2005, finishing third. Mark Webber hung on despite a scare at the last corner to finish in sixth.